Methods and devices for fixing optics to mechanical mounts in high-power laser systems

Abstract

In various embodiments, a spring is utilized to fix an optic to a mechanical mount in a laser system. Such springs may consist of a single length of elastic material having first and second ends. The length of elastic material may define first and second off-center bends providing first and second base portions, as well as a central bend that is generally U-shaped and that defines first and second contact portions. The first and second contact portions are opposed to each other across the central bend to thereby resist compression of the first and second contact portions toward the first and second base portions.

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. A kit for situating an optic in a laser system, the kit comprising:
 the optic; 
 a mechanical mount comprising, in or on a top surface thereof, (i) an optic cradle configured to receive the optic therein, and (ii) a spring cradle configured to receive a spring therein; 
 a spring having (i) first and second contact points configured to contact the optic, (ii) a central bend between the first and second contact points, and (iii) first and second base portions, opposite the first and second contact points, configured to contact a portion of the spring cradle, whereby, when the optic is received in the optic cradle and the spring is received in the spring cradle, spring force exerted by the spring fixes the optic in place in the optic cradle; and 
 a tool comprising:
 a body having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, 
 extending from the first end of the body, an engagement mechanism for engaging the central bend of the spring, 
 an actuator for controlling motion of the engagement mechanism, and 
 a control mechanism mechanically coupling the actuator and the engagement mechanism. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The kit of  claim 1 , wherein the control mechanism is at least partially disposed within the body. 
     
     
       3. The kit of  claim 1 , wherein the control mechanism comprises a rack-and-pinion gearing system. 
     
     
       4. The kit of  claim 1 , wherein the engagement mechanism comprises a hook or a grasper. 
     
     
       5. The kit of  claim 1 , wherein the actuator comprises a button or a plunger. 
     
     
       6. The kit of  claim 1 , wherein the tool comprises, disposed on the first end of the body, a stabilizer configured to engage with a front surface of the mount when the engagement mechanism is positioned to engage with the central bend of the spring. 
     
     
       7. The kit of  claim 1 , wherein the control mechanism is configured to retract the engagement mechanism toward the second end of the body when the actuator is pressed. 
     
     
       8. The kit of  claim 1 , wherein the tool comprises first and second opposed projections, extending from a lateral portion of the tool between the first and second ends, configured to receive one or more fingers of a user. 
     
     
       9. The kit of  claim 1 , wherein the spring consists of a single length of elastic material having first and second ends, the length of elastic material comprising first and second off-center bends providing the first and second base portions, the central bend being generally U-shaped and defining the first and second contact portions, the first and second contact portions being opposed to each other across the central bend to thereby resist compression of the first and second contact portions toward the first and second base portions. 
     
     
       10. The kit of  claim 9 , wherein the first and second base portions are within 5° of collinearity, and the first and second ends of the length of elastic material face each other. 
     
     
       11. The kit of  claim 9 , wherein each of first and second contact portions is opposed to and bowed away from one of the first and second base portions. 
     
     
       12. The kit of  claim 9 , wherein the first and second ends are spaced apart from each other. 
     
     
       13. The kit of  claim 9 , wherein the length of elastic material comprises (i) a first linear segment disposed between the first off-center bend and the first contact portion and (ii) a second linear segment disposed between the second off-center bend and the second contact portion. 
     
     
       14. The kit of  claim 9 , wherein a radius of the central bend is less than a radius of the first off-center bend and less than a radius of the second off-center bend. 
     
     
       15. The kit of  claim 9 , wherein a width of the spring between the first and second off-center bends is greater than a depth of the spring between the contact points and the base portions. 
     
     
       16. The kit of  claim 9 , wherein a distance between the first and second contact portions ranges from approximately 40% to approximately 60% of a width of the spring between the first and second off-center bends. 
     
     
       17. The kit of  claim 1 , wherein the spring comprises a metal or metal alloy. 
     
     
       18. The kit of  claim 1 , wherein the optic comprises a reflector, a polarizer, a waveplate, a diffuser, a lens, or a diffraction grating. 
     
     
       19. The kit of  claim 1 , wherein the mechanical mount defines therethrough one or more mounting holes.